The Star-Bulletin's future...

Readers want to know what's happening

According to Managing Editor David Shapiro's April 22 column, a senior reporter at the Star-Bulletin -- arguing whether the paper should cover a possible employee buyout back in 1992 -- proclaimed, "This is not journalism. This is business!"

Although I don't know why the reporter made such a statement, as a Star-Bulletin reader, I would have found it highly important to know what was being discussed, so as to be informed of the implications the deal would have on my publication of choice.

Hence, I was pleased to have read further in Shapiro's column that "readers deserve an explanation of what we're doing," especially because competing editorial voices continue to mislead readers about what's really taking place.

But let the coverage be, as Shapiro stated, without unverified allegations and cheap-shot journalism. The last thing I want to read about is an ongoing bicker-fest between emotional reporters and countering parties.

Despite what some of your staffers have said about your coverage of the Gannett/Liberty mess, I believe the Star-Bulletin continues to do an excellent job. Isn't that what counts most?

My hope is that, while there is coverage about how Star-Bulletin employees will be affected, who's losing money, etc., no one forgets the tens of thousands of readers who will also be affected. Keep us informed.

Warren A. Kaneshiro

Employees, public should buy paper

The court ruling guiding the sale of the Star-Bulletin is a put-up-or-get-what-you-deserve opportunity for not only the paper's employees, but Hawaii residents. Those of us who have recognized for years the courage, talent and unique editorial objectivity of your fine medium should consider how seriously this state would erode without the Star-Bulletin.

I am very concerned that we might lose your critical voice amid the acknowledged self-serving, politically suspect, marginalizing and depressed spirit and economy of Hawaii.

Therefore, an ESOP or public offering supported by one of our large, caring financial institutions could not only preserve a quality publication, but evolve it into a unique people-owned paper.

This paper would speak out on issues from the perspective of the public's best interest, and courageously identify the details of how our current system fails us and, most important, why.

Perhaps a call-in or email survey should be conducted on this opportunity. The owners of the Green Bay Packers not only saved their football team this way, but brought great pride to that city. I'd be among the first to purchase shares in this endeavor.

Arizona film shouldn't have been edited

Right or wrong, General Short's perception of a local Japanese threat is what made the Pearl Harbor attack happen the way it did. There is no evidence that Short's belief was wrong.

The Japanese people have a history of deception and lies. China, Korea and their hideous violation of the Geneva Convention with the Death March of Bataan give credibility to General Short's perceptions.

This distortion of history is an outrage.

Ronald Edmiston

Byran Uyesugi should plead guilty

Byran Uyesugi did the crime. He should do the time. Why doesn't he act like a real man and plead guilty for his actions? Apologize and go away to spend his life in prison.

Martin Halsey Grubb
Pearl City

Corporate leader was advocate for women

When Henry A. Walker Jr. passed away, the women of Hawaii lost a true supporter (Star-Bulletin, April 15). Much has been known about his corporate leadership talents and generosity. But little is known about the person who believed in equal opportunities -- especially for women.

He was the first corporate leader to include women as "outside directors" on the board of directors of Amfac Inc. I know, because I was the first local woman asked to participate. I was not a token female, as I was picked to chair the compensation committee of the board and sat as a member of the audit committee.

He also appointed a woman, Charlene Ikeda, to one of the most prestigious and powerful positions in the company as corporate secretary, and trusted her with all the responsibilities of the office.

Henry A. Walker Jr. was a quiet man who didn't seek the limelight or herald his many accomplishments. He has left many memories for those of us who had the privilege of knowing him.

Patricia Saiki

Why weren't other trustees investigated?

Your April 17 front-page article was headlined, "Probe outlines trust's politicking." Big surprise. How do people think laws get passed or killed in the Legislature? What else could explain why candidates spend millions of dollars to get elected, when these jobs pay a small compensation?

This leads me to the five ousted Bishop Estate trustees. When the Attorney General's Office looked into wrongdoing, it mysteriously limited the investigation to the five sitting trustees. What about the previous trustees?

Want to write a letter to the editor? Let all Star-Bulletin readers know what you think. Please keep your letter to about 200 words. You can send it by e-mail to letters@starbulletin.com or you can fill in the online form for a faster response. Or print it and mail it to: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802. Or fax it to: 523-8509. Always be sure to include your daytime phone number.